The Narrow Gauge Railroad

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Cassandra

The Narrow Gauge Railroad played an important role in the development of the Colorado Rockies throughout the latter part of the Nineteenth Century. Prior to the coming of the Iron Horse, the only mode of travel was by horse, wagon, or stagecoach, all of which were slow and could transport only relatively small amounts of goods, people, or mineral. Every mining camp of its day was hopeful that a railroad would determine that its resources were valuable enough to warrant the expense and prestige of rail service to its community. Because of its rich mineral deposits and mining operations, the Clear Creek mining area did hold that attraction for several railroads.

The Narrow Gauge shown here may be seen in Idaho Springs, Colorado located behind Town Hall just South of Miner Street.

November & December – Bighorn Sheep Viewing

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Admin

Bighorn Sheep - wildlife watching Clear Creek Canyon, Colorado

The bighorn sheep is the mammalian symbol of the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado's official mammal. Colorado is home to the largest population of the species anywhere.

Weekend visitors to the Georgetown Wildlife Viewing Station can enjoy the benefit of trained volunteer guides from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Ready with binoculars and spotting scopes, volunteers will help visitors locate sheep, and learn about wildlife. (The viewing station offers permanent viewing scopes and educational exhibits throughout the year.)

To visit the viewing station, take I-70 west from Denver to the Georgetown exit (#288). Turn left on Alvarado Road and follow the brown and white binocular signs until you reach the viewing station near Georgetown lake. Bighorns may be noticed from the highway, but, for the safety of both people and wildlife, please view sheep from the viewing station.

Burro Racing In Idaho Springs August 2011

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Admin

Rafting with Mile High Rafting

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Admin

Aug. 20th – Friends of the Library and CCMRD presents Mountain Jams

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Admin

Dance, Dance, Dance with the Glass Packs, Fiddler John Wilson and Jimmy Lewis and Ron Jones Fiddlin’ Fever at the Corner Park next to the John Tomay Memorial Library in Georgetown, Colo.

Dates of Event: Aug. 20th 2011
Times of Event: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Event Name: Friends of the Library and CCMRD presents Mountain Jams

Contact Email Address: stephanie@clearcreeklibrary.org

Raft and Stay Deals

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Admin

Clear Creek Rafting Mile High Rafting has put together some amazing packages for rafting and accommodation for people wanting to raft and then hang out and relax. Combine your rafting trip with another activity or an overnight and get these discounts.

You can book your raft trip and then stay at the Miners Pick Bed and Breakfast in Idaho Springs or the Rose Street Bed and Breakfast in historic Georgetown. With the beginner rafting trip the cost is only $99 per person based on double occupancy. If you want to stay at Mad Creek Bed and Breakfast then all Mile High Rafters get a 10% discount on the room rate.

For larger groups Historic St. James Vacation rental and Mile High Rafting are offering a two night stay for 10 people for two nights and 10 ‘Sure Shot’ beginner rafting tickets for $629.

Mile High Rafting will supply all the gear you need then the Bed and Breakfast’s will provide you with all the relaxation.

Who to Contact?

Mile Hi Rafting – 303-567-0717
The Miners Pick Bed and Breakfast – 866-394-7425
Mad Creek Bed and Breakfast – 303-567-0717 and ask for Suzen.
Rose Street Bed and Breakfast at 303-569-2222

View all Rafting Packages.

Something In the Park Events

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Admin

Here is a list of events for “Something in the Park” sponsored by the Idaho Springs Chamber

July 16^th “Something in the Park” with music by Empire Strikes Back 1-5pm
July 23^rd “Something in the Park”- Music provided by Bob Cook Memorial Classic schedule
July 30^th Said Dog 1 – 5
Aug 6^th “Something in the Park”- Kids Festival with a Fairy Storyteller from the Idaho Springs Library and Face Painter. Music with Empire Strikes Back and a Wind Piper from Peru.
August 13^th “Something in the Park” – Music with Said Dog 1-3pm and Jonathan Cavitt 3-5pm
August 20^th “Something in the Park” – Music with Delicious Point
September 3^rd Final Saturday of our “Something in the Park” Series - Music by Said Dog and Empire Strikes Back

Bucket Brigade Competition – Georgetown

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Admin

The Bucket Brigade Competition on July 4th 2011

Summer at the Library

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Admin

Both Georgetown and Idaho Springs Public Libraries have some great events this summer. We have added them to our Clear Creek County events calendar but here they are so far.

July 8 – 6:00 pm Friday -8:00 am Saturday – Games Night and Sleepover at ISPL. Games Night and Sleepover at the Idaho Springs Public Library. Pre-register to spend the night at the library. Ages 6 and up, bring your sleeping bags and pillows. The fun begins at 6pm Friday and ends at 8am Saturday morning. www.youseemore.com/

July 9th – Friends of the Library and CCMRD presents Mountain Jams 2011 – from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm – K-GOAT – 102.7 FM hosts the opening show. The Credibility Gap will headline with special guests, Deadwood Fire, Amanda Capper, The Pelican Divas, Kristi Morrell and Ted Dreith at Library Corner Park in Georgetown, Colo. Contact: stephanie@clearcreeklibrary.org or Phone: Tim Hamid 303 569-2737

July 22nd 2011 from 4:00 pm -7:00 pm – Family Picnic Games Night at JTML – Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and listen to the band. For dessert, we’ll roast marshmallows over the fire pit. www.youseemore.com/clearcreeklibrary

July 23rd – Friends of the Library and CCMRD presents Mountain Jams 2011 – from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm- Live music at the Library Corner Park in Georgetown, Colo. with The Denver Mountainaires, Award winning 30-member Barbershop Chorus, folk duo Stephanie Bateman and Luke Halpin. stephanie@clearcreeklibrary.org or Phone: Tim Hamid 303 569-2737

AUGUST

Aug. 3rd 2011 – Summer Reading Party 11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Clear Creek County Library District’s summer reading party at the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation Center. Bring your swimsuit and a towel for swimming and lunch. stephanie@clearcreeklibrary.org Or phone: 303 567-2020 or 303 569-2620

Aug. 6th: Friends of the Library and CCMRD present Mountain Jams – at 11:00 am – 7:00 pm. Live music with folk sensation Dakota Blonde, high energy jazz with The Jim Stahlhut Trio and alternative/folk blend with Live Animal at the Library Corner Park in Georgetown, Colo. stephanie@clearcreeklibrary.org or Phone: Tim Hamid 303 569-2737

Aug. 12th Henna Tattoos and Games Night at Idaho Springs Library from 4:00 pm – 6:30pm. Great for children and adults alike. Contact: stephanie@clearcreeklibrary.org or Phone: 303 567-2020

Mothers Day – Georgetown Loop Railway

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Admin

Mother’s Day is a special day for all mothers who ride the Georgetown Loop, roses and chocolates are given to all mothers this weekend. Stop into a Georgetown restaurant to have tea or lunch and make a day of it, Georgetown and neighboring Silver Plume are great places to spend a unique Mothers Day with shopping and fun for the family.

The Georgetown Loop Railway was completed in 1884 and travels on three foot narrow gauge railroad from Georgetown to Silver Plume. At the time it was considered to be an engineering marvel and today when you take the train you can see why. The train travels through a steep narrow canyon following the creek for part of the way and even thorugh the two towns are only 2miles apart by road the train doubles the distance as it takes the path of a corkscrew route in order to gain more than 600 feet in elevation.

The train will take you over four bridges across Clear Creek including the Devil’s Gate High Bridge, which is the one you see most in photos.

In the cooler weather the carriages are enclosed and heated then in the summer you can ride in open carriages and get to really experience the thrill of the old train and what it was like back in the days of train travel.

The Georgetown Loop opening weekend was April 30th and will run though December 2011. To purchase tickets in advance go to http://www.georgetownlooprr.com/